In situations like these, a good travel agent is your best friend. Your TA has access to people that you don't, like regional or district sales managers who can get things taken care of. (I'm not a travel agent nor am I related to one.😃)
Non-refundable credit is always used first for spa charges, shore excursions, gift shop purchases or drinks among other things.
You need to have a chat with the Guest Relations folks on deck 4. They can straighten this out for you.
We were considering the December 2023 14 days sailing in the Caribbean. The basic price, with early booking discounts, went from $6,835 to $7,945 overnight, a 16% increase.
I found the discussion on "Explora Pricing".
Here's a link to the MSC page with the form to complete.
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club/status-match
I had never heard of a cruise line that transferred loyalty levels from a competitive cruise line.
With the information I found on another thread, I applied for "status" based on my level in the Azamara loyalty program. I was shocked to hear from them in less than 4 hours of a Saturday, telling me I am Diamond status.
I'm aware of the current Explora promotion of a two category upgrade plus onboard credit for MSC diamond status members. Now I need to gather more information about Explora to decide whether I'll sail with them or Azamara next December. The prices are almost the same for a comparable suite.
Thanks for mentioning the MSC status match. I went to the MSC web site, checked the table for the comparable Azamara level, and found out we would have diamond status. I filled out the form and submitted it. I don't know what this will mean on Explora - but it can't hurt.😄
The OP stated they were in an OS on deck 6, which are aft. These suites have had vibration issues since the R ships were built. We've sailed in 6088. We remember.
Tenders are boarded from Deck 3. I think there are around eight steps down to the boarding platform. Someone who is aboard right now can probably count them and give you the exact number.
For anyone who has never boarded a tender: you step carefully, aided by crew members. There's no hopping or jumping involved or allowed.😃
Hi AliasChief: Sorry we didn't get to sail with you again. Happily, we have insurance.
Just a word of caution: watch out for the very sharp corners on the shower grab bar. It is very close to the shower head and packs quite a wallop when you're washing your hair and you lower your arms. That grab bar should have been place closer to the middle of the shower, closer to the door.
Have a great time.
We walked off the ship at 8:20, picked up our two bags, had a 30 second chat with Customs, and were out the door. From the ship's gangway to the exit door of the cruise terminal took less than 10 minutes.
Driving in Miami traffic with road construction projects is another story entirely.😃